Who's The Boss

I was visiting with some friends when I mentioned that I weaned Abby. My one friend responded with a "Oh, no!" She let it go for awhile but later brought it up again. She told me that I could always start up again and I should reconsider. I could feel myself caving in when it occurred to me...I take everyone's advice equally. A friend's, my mom's, my husband's. That's just not right. I made my decision - my mom respected and supported me, my husband respected and supported me. Why should what this friend said totally change my mind? Surely I value myself, my mom and my husband more. So I stood my ground. I said that I was ready and this is what I wanted. And that's what is important.

I got home and got Abby's bottle ready. She hadn't eaten in a long time. She sees the bottle and starts crying. She tastes the bottle and starts screaming. Ten minutes later and we're both crying and frustrated. (Who knew bottle-feeding could be so difficult.) So I put the bottle in the fridge and got her into her Bumbo chair. She sees the spoon and starts to cry. She tastes the spoon and starts screaming. Ten minutes later and I've had it. I'm out of options. I scooped her up and did the only thing I could...I nursed her. (How many women feel like failures because they breastfeed their babies instead of bottle-feed?) She immediately latched on and started to eat. Ten minutes later she burped and gave me her drunken/satisfied smile. So now I have to ask myself...is this what I want? Well, no it's not, but it's what best for Abby. And that's what's important.

P.S. Please, I beg you, don't say I told ya so. My happy hormones aren't fully back yet.

Comments

Jen said…
So you've decided to continue nursing? Every momma does what they believe is best for their baby and that's exactly what you are doing too! Feel good about the decisions you make for sweet Abby. No body loves her or cares for her like you do.
Tanya said…
Weaning is hard, especially when the baby isn't interested. Good luck with whatever you decide. Also, one thing that I found helped was getting somebody else to give her the bottle and me leaving the room so the breastfeeding option was not there for her. (The first bottle of formula Chloe took was from Brian's mom. Why would she take a bottle when the good stuff is right there). I know that if you are home alone, that is not an option, but isn't Mark off next week (Easter Break) You could see if he has better luck. Anyway, hope it all goes well and your life gets back to normal.

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